This was supposed to be my last day at Bergenfield High School. When I walked in through the door, and the security guy no longer needed to see my ID, I was directed to the cafeteria where the taiko club (under the incredible direction and attention to detail of Joanie) had organized a little farewell party – a 6 layer chocolate cake in the shape of a taiko, ‘cake pops’ (cake on a stick dipped in chocolate – heavenly creations by a senior taiko club member), a gift of a taiko club tee shirt to remind me of my time here, and a beautiful card, filled with fantastic comments by the club members. I wanted to share a message that made me feel so privileged to be having this opportunity and experience:
“I never knew how taiko could unite people like this, especially around the world! There are not many art forms that do that. This experience has really showed me that I have made the right decision in this creative outlet. I know the future generations of taiko players will benefit from you and your lessons of teamwork, energy, technique, movement and love of taiko drumming. Thank you so much.”
It is a timely reminder for me that you can never tell what is going on with everyone in a class you’re taking, and more often than not, you will be surprised (and delighted) at how much is being absorbed and internalized, connections being made and inspirations created. That card is something I will treasure for years.
The taiko session did not start with the concept of creating a shortened version of this piece by the end, but it happened, due to their hard work and dedication. I think they all really felt that this was the last session of my time with them and wanted to make the most of it, which came out in something I loved watching – one student turning to another and telling them to get ready because they were wasting time; such a change from the week before, and it made me so happy to see. They ramped up their energy and quickened the pace of the session until they wanted to run it over and over, always giving their all, and not even worrying when others walked in to see what they were doing – I was asking them to give bigger shouts, more presence on stage, create different moves as they went round the drum, and they did it all, with great spark and attitude. I went home very happy after we had decided that we could in fact fit in a quick session tomorrow before their talent show – so it wasn’t goodbye just yet it seemed.
So Joanie, Xin and I headed off for Broadway as I was treated to the show STOMP – both Joanie and I had been wanting to see this for years, and who better to go with than someone else who is going to have trouble sitting still for wanting to jump up and join in? Before you think it, I realize the irony (and just in case I didn’t, it has been pointed out to me more than once) that I lived near Brighton for a long time, live in the UK and of the pick of all New York shows, I choose one from Brighton. I don’t care: it was a dream come true and truly loved every minute. And yes, nect time I turn my hand to some cleaning I will be making music with the plunger, dustpan, and broom and dancing like no-one is watching (and hopefully no-one will be). Thank you Joanie for this treat – even though it was minus 10 with a wind chill of so cold that I developed a peculiar interest in my face’s capability of hurting that much, I loved my night out on Broadway.
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